Leadership Learning

Section 1: Leadership Development

There is a firm belief within the Network Learning Community that part of a leaders role is to develop capacity for leadership in personnel all at levels within their institution. This has not always been made explicit but part of the NLC process will be to do so and to create mechanisms by which it can become a reality. The concept of ‘distributed leadership’ is one that needs to be developed within the NLC, the schools and partner organisations.

Leadership of the core programme will be at many levels:

Co-leaders, EAZ facilitators from outside of the school, head teachers and school facilitators (non senior staff) will offer leadership in many aspects of the programme. Continued training and development for all leaders will be a part of the programme as will the importance of these people as role models for each other and other learners within the schools. This leadership pattern, although still somewhat hierarchical, will challenge the tradition hierarchical structure and will offer greater flexibility and opportunity for change and innovation than traditional structures may otherwise allow. It is also an opportunity to maximise the individual skills, knowledge and attributes of people in all areas of the NLC.

Regular meetings of leaders at all levels will occur. There will be specific focii on the learning of pupils and adults, management of innovation, sharing of good practice and ideas, analysis of data and classroom observation. This will be an important and ongoing process designed to develop and enhance the way schools, teachers and pupils work.

There is a great body of data already collected by schools concerning pupil attainment and this must be coupled with observation of teaching and learning, by the trained facilitators, in order for a useful analysis to be undertaken. This will then inform future decisions on the way that the programme will develop.

Dissemination of learning and the sharing of good practice are essential and within the NLC this will be facilitated through regular meetings and by the facilitators within the schools. Co-leaders and EAZ facilitators will also disseminate the learning to other audiences outside of the NLC

Leadership opportunities will allow for capacity to be built with application for AST status, NPQH, Action Research and other accredited programs being supported and encouraged. Links with the University of Hull and Nottingham University will be valuable in developing the external support needed to help bring in research, international study and the means to further enhance the professional development of people within the NLC. They will also play a role in the dissemination and evaluation of the good practice seen within the NLC.